I agree with the opinions in the thread. Two little points:

(1) about Jim's comment, a seller might be afraid of a bidder with a zero rating, fearing he is a deadbeat will "ruin" the auction -- not pay, waste everyone's time, "tarnish" the merchandise when it is re-auctioned, etc.

(2) my main reason for posting here is to say that it always amused me the way some sellers seem more interested in sounding important with all their warnings and instructions rather than in selling the merchandise. Often in the auction description, I see --literally-- just a few words describing the lot, follwed by a long essay about emailing the seller before bidding, selling "as is," not accepting personal checks, refusing to sell if the check doesn't arrive pronto, etc., etc. -- practically his whole life story.

Robt.